It's official! February was the coldest on record! How cold? Foundations have shifted, driveways have cracked and patios have heaved. The question is whether your insurance company will pay for the damage. The same homeowner policy that will likely pay for the seepage damage to your kitchen caused by a build-up of ice and snow on your roof may decline to pay for that heaved patio of yours. According to the ISO HO-3 (8/13) "damage caused to a fence, payment, patio, swimming pool, footing foundation, bulkhead or wall by freezing, thawing or pressure or weight from ice and snow is not covered." Keep in mind there may be exceptions and you should always consult with your independent insruance agent and insurance company for a definitive answer but don't get your hopes up. Your best bet is to hope for an early spring and that your patio will settle down in time for the Memorial Day barbecue.